I Drove to France, Sniffed a Wheelie Bin... and I'm Still "Just" a Virtual Assistant

What does a VA do?

It's the question I'm asked more than any other, and this week is the perfect example of why I struggle to answer it... 🤣

Based in Hertfordshire, I support businesses across the UK with everything from QuickBooks bookkeeping, customer service and diary management to website design, content creation, business administration and project support.

I also have an associate based in Málaga, Spain, who provides additional support whenever our clients need it. Having an associate means we can offer greater flexibility, increased capacity and continuity of service, ensuring our clients always receive the same high standard of support, even during busy periods.

So, what did this week look like for me?

🚐🔑🇫🇷 Tuesday: It certainly wasn't in the diary!

One of my clients had been stranded in a Lidl car park in France for the best part of 16 hours after accidentally locking themselves out of their motorhome. They had no spare keys with them, they were quoted £3,500 for a sameday courier and didn't know where to turn, then came the distress call at 9:30am that started with:

"Are you busy?"

After finishing my regular client work that morning, with a diversion to Great Dunmow for their spare keys, I dashed home at 2pm, grabbed my passport, made myself a sandwich, booked a Channel Tunnel crossing and jumped in the car by 2.30pm

By 7pm French time I was handing over their replacement keys, and by 11pm UK time I was back home again.

Not exactly your typical Virtual Assistant task, but that's the reality of the service I provide. When my clients need help and I'm in a position to make a difference, I'll always do everything I can.

You might think that would be enough excitement for one week, but apparently not.

🎥 Thursday: I spent the day with Mät King from King Street Images filming social media content. Fairly normal... until I tell you Mät was behind the camera, Gary from Freshbinz was the client, and I somehow landed the starring role, acting as Gary's client and enthusiastically sniffing wheelie bins.

Yes... really! 🤢😂

(For anyone wondering, Gary very kindly cleaned the bin first with his product he was promoting. Thankfully!)

In between all that?

✔️ A mountain of invoices prepared.

✔️ Two QuickBooks accounts brought completely up to date.

✔️ A website build progressing nicely.

✔️ Emails answered.

✔️ Client admin completed.

✔️ And all those behind the scenes jobs that keep businesses running smoothly.

No two clients are the same, and no two weeks are ever the same.

One day I'm keeping the finances organised, the next I'm making an emergency international key delivery or starring in a social media video.

That's why I call myself The Different VA.

I'm not just here to tick off a task list. I'm here to solve problems, adapt when the unexpected happens and become a trusted extension of my clients' businesses. Sometimes that means working behind the scenes, and sometimes it means getting behind the camera... or even behind the wheel!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm officially off duty... well, apart from hosting an F1 BBQ this weekend! 🏎️🔥🍔

So tell me...

What's the strangest thing you've ever had to do as part of your job?

Please make me feel better and tell me I'm not the only one who's sniffed a bin for work! 😅

Heres a couple of snaps just for fun.